Stories tagged with: sexual assault

DAVIS, Okla. (BP) -- The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma has settled a lawsuit related to the alleged 2016 rape of a 13-year-old at the BGCO's Falls Creek Baptist Conference Center.

Terms of the settlement are undisclosed, The Oklahoman newspaper reported Aug. 5, but one sentence of the settlement agreement is not under seal: "Following this incident, the BGCO conducted a review of its policies and procedures and has recognized additional efforts to provide as safe [an] environment as possible for campers visiting Falls Creek."

BGCO communications director Brian Hobbs said in a statement released to Baptist Press, "We have prayed for a respectful resolution of this very serious matter. Looking to the future, we are continually working with churches to take every measure we can, to provide a safe environment where our campers can experience life with Jesus Christ. We are thankful that the ministry of Falls Creek continues forward to bless thousands of people in Oklahoma and across the region, for the glory of God." Read More

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- Mark Aderholt, a former employee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and International Mission Board missionary, has been charged in Texas with sexually assaulting a teenager 21 years ago.

Aderholt, 46, was arrested July 3 in South Carolina and booked into the Tarrant County, Texas, jail July 9 on charges of sexual assault of a child under 17, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. He was released July 10 on bond. Read More

FORT WORTH, Texas (BP) -- Mark Aderholt, a former employee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and International Mission Board missionary, has been charged in Texas with sexually assaulting a teenager 21 years ago.

Aderholt, 46, was arrested July 3 in South Carolina and booked into the Tarrant County, Texas, jail July 9 on charges of sexual assault of a child under 17, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. He was released today (July 10) on bond.

The offense allegedly occurred in Arlington, Texas, in 1997, according to the ... Read More

WACO, Texas (BP) -- Ken Starr has resigned his law professorship at Baylor University, cutting final ties with the Baptist school rocked by allegations that it mishandled sexual assault allegations and intimidated female students who complained.

"Frankly, the university determined that it wanted a break in the employment relationship, so I've accepted that decision and will, of course, honor the decision," the Waco Tribune quoted Starr Aug. 19. "Nothing changes my love and respect for Baylor." Read More

WACO, Texas (BP) -- Baylor University stripped Ken Starr of his presidency and fired head football coach Art Briles today (May 26) after an independent investigation found "a fundamental failure" to protect students from sexual assault in a years-long scandal.

The Baylor Board of Regents announced the personnel changes in a press release posted on its website, based on the findings of an investigation by the law firm Pepper Hamilton, LLP. Read More

WACO, Texas (BP) -- Baylor University's response to reports of campus sexual violence has drawn scores of protesters to the university president's house and provoked at least two observers to call for the severing of official ties between Baylor and the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Baylor President Ken Starr responded to critics with two statements, which affirmed the protesters' "poise and maturity"... Read More

NASHVILLE (BP) -- The horrific volume of sexual assault on U.S. college campuses is not only a reflection of the wickedness in individual assailants' hearts. It is the fruit of a campus culture awash in sexual immorality.

Though perpetually an issue at colleges and universities, the blight of rape was highlighted Jan. 27 by the conviction of two former Vanderbilt University football players for sexually assaulting an unconscious female student in 2013. Read More

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